As a member organization of the Unites States Canoe Association (USCA), the FreeStyle Canoe Group is proud to host the USCA Instructional Curriculum and Materials online.
The Canoe Instruction Modules are presented here, in increasing order of challenges:
Module 1: Learn to Canoe
The Learn to Canoe Module is appropriate for use with camps, scout groups, recreation departments, and others who require a short introduction to canoeing. The Module covers two hours and its purpose is to get groups on the water safely in tandem canoes.
Module 2: Basic Recreational Canoe
The USCA Recreational Canoe Module is intended to introduce new paddlers to the basic strokes and maneuvers used to control a tandem canoe in a safe and effective manner.
Module 2: Basic Moving Water for Canoe
The USCA Basic Moving Water for Canoe Module is the next instructional step for paddlers who want to learn to paddle moving water rivers safely and efficiently.
Module 2.1: Basic Racing for Canoe
The USCA Basic Racing for Canoe Module is intended as an introduction for beginning paddlers who are interested in learning how to race a canoe.
Module 3: Beyond the Basics for Solo Canoe
Beyond the Basics for Tandem Canoe
The USCA Beyond the Basics for Canoe Module is the next instructional step for paddlers who want to learn more strokes and gain greater control of their canoe. This module will build upon the skills learned in the USCA Basic Recreational Canoe Module and assists paddlers in gaining greater efficiency and effectiveness in canoeing. The module is divided into solo canoe and tandem canoe modules.
Module 3: Beyond the Basics for River Canoe
The USCA Beyond the Basics for Canoe Module is the next instructional step for paddlers who want to learn more strokes and gain greater control of their canoe on rivers.
Module 4: Building Blocks for Solo Canoe
Building Blocks for Tandem Canoe
In this module paddlers will build upon the skills they learned in the USCA Beyond the Basics for Canoe Module. Additional strokes and maneuvers will be covered along with a more in-depth exploration of paddling concepts and dynamics. This Module provides a solid introduction to the advanced paddling skills needed for paddlers to move up to Freestyle Canoeing while also increasing on-water effectiveness and efficiency for canoe travel. This module is divided into solo canoe and tandem canoe modules.
Module 5: FreeStyle Canoeing
In this module paddlers will use the skills learned in the USCA Building Blocks for Canoe Module to build a solid foundation in Freestyle Canoeing. These skills can then be used functionally by paddlers to travel by canoe on the many lakes and rivers throughout the United States. In addition, some paddlers may choose to explore the world of Interpretive Freestyle Canoeing and design canoe programs choreographed to music. This module is divided into four sections that correspond to the four canoe quadrants (Forward, Reverse, Cross Forward, and Cross Reverse) in which Freestyle Canoeing is taught. Please note: strokes and maneuvers are presented for both Solo and Tandem canoe.
Included here are Training Modules and documents related to becoming a USCA Instructor and an Instructor Trainer:
INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION:
USCA InstructorCertMaintenanceRequirements
USCA Basic Canoe Instructor Skills
USCA InstructorTeachingOutlineExample
USCA FreeStyleInstructorStandards(Solo)
USCA FreeStyleInstructorStandards(Tandem)
BECOMING AN INSTRUCTOR TRAINER:
A partial list of our Instructors can be found here: USCA INSTRUCTORS